...More or less my story, I just want to know what you can offer me...I'll take anything.
This isn't exactly a question but more of a statement. I'm only 17 years old and I've been living with constant migraines since I was around 3.
There are several triggers in my life like specific foods and straining myself to my breaking point (which I've been known to do since I'm a NAVY Brat). There's not a whole lot I haven't done in life to relieve the pain. Examples are cutting to relieve blood pressure and making my brain focus on that pain instead of my head; Sleeping for X amount of days; Medications like Topamax as a preventative and Tramadol, sometimes Vicoprofen, as a reducer (The Tramadol and Vicoprofen never take away the pain completely); I've tried limiting my caffiene for over a three month time to 0 caffiene intake, even in my food. However that didn't seem to work either; I've tried removing foods from my diet like Banana's, Strawberries, Cherries, Acetametifin(sorry for the mis-spelled word. AKA Tylenol), Oregano, certain food dyes, and sugar intake. All of the previous were things that I'm allergic to that supposedly caused my migraines whenever I would eat them or have them in my system; Etc. I have okay eye sight but whenever I strain my eyes the migraine intensifies ten fold. I wear glasses to try to reduce that section of the brain from increased pain.
I've missed almost one-hundred days from school the past ten years of my life, so I know a little bit about them. Also, after so long of dealing with a pain, it becomes second nature and you grow use to the pain. If it wasn't for that, I don't think that I could have lived this long.
In my early teens, I thought about suicide just to relieve the pain, so I wouldn't have to live with it anymore. I could be at peace for one time in my life...Obviously that didn't work out, even though I tried a good 12 times...My life has been hell, to say the least...so, I guess my question is...does anyone have any advice for me?
William,
I know what really frequent headaches are like that though mine started when I was in my teens. I really feel for you. Do you drink diet pop at all? I found that Nutrasweet was a big trigger for me and also for my 2 brothers. I used to push myself till I couldn't go any further to try and forget the pain also. I have found that Imitrex helps me but I don't know how it would do for you. Have they tried any of the meds like that on you? I also take Fioricet at times and that helps also. Keep in touch on this site, i found a lot of info.
- Thank you for your input
- Ranked Helpful (3)
- Report Abuse
Dear William,
I along with many others here on this site understand where you are coming from. I have had migraines since I was 5 and I am in my 30's now. I agree with the other poster regarding Imitrex, Maxalt, Frovea, Zomig, Amirge, and Relpax, these are all triptans. If you can take them with in the first 30 minutes of the migrains starting they help alot. I have been on Topamax as well. In my case it did not help, but I know many people it has. I would also recommend talking to a neurologist and ask them to give you a mild anti-depressant if possible. I am on them because (and the doctors will tell you this) when you are always in pain you do suffer from depression, there is no way around it. You can also use cold packs if you like the cold and can lay down for a little while, sometimes the cold helps mine. I also use a item called MYGRA STICK, this is a all natural stick made of peppermint and lavender, you rubb it on your forehead. Sometimes I also use it when people walk by wearing perfume. I just open it and smell it. It helps get rid of the smell and reduce the chance of the perfume tiggering a migraine. You can find it online as well as some health food stores. I hope that you see a good neurologist and get some better help. You can send me a message here any time. I will be praying for you. I will tell you that I have migraines daily and I am on several meds, but I am functioning and can work better now then before. Praying for you.
your friend and fellow daily migraine suffer
- Thank you for your input
- Ranked Helpful (1)
- Report Abuse
First of all, I feel for you, I have suffered for years also i am now 36, triptans harldy ever work for me, My neurologist is now going to try botox injections, i hear this works reallly well for many people, your insurance may pay for it because you have tried so many other meds. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
- Ranked Helpful (3)
- Report Abuse
William,
I have three recommendations for you.
1) Talk with your parents to be sure they understand how bad your Migraines are and how the affect you. Since you're just 17, you're probably going to need their assistance for my other two recommendations.
2) Locate and get yourself to a good Migraine and headache specialist. It's important to note that neurologists aren't necessarily Migraine and headache specialists. Take a look at the article Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's So Special? If you need help finding a Migraine specialist, check our listing of Patient Recommended Migraine and Headache Specialists.
3) Cutting and suicidal behavior shows that you have trouble coping with Migraine disease. This is VERY common with chronic diseases. Counseling with a good psychologist to improve your coping skills would help a great deal. Depending on which Migraine specialist you choose to see, this treatment may be available in their office.
Good luck,
Teri
-
- Ranked Helpful (4)
- Report Abuse
